Now that you’ve seen our serious and professional side – watch us poke a little fun at ourselves in this vacation rental home tour spoof with a funny twist at the end. 

 Men – learn from this man’s mistakes and get your wife or girlfriend the best Christmas gift ever. Women – share this video with your husband or boyfriend, so he’ll get the hint about how to buy a Christmas gift for a woman. Meanwhile, have a good laugh together watching this clueless husband fail year after year trying hard to give his wife the perfect Christmas until he finally succeeds. Both sides can relate to this hilarious video. There’s a happy ending.

I’m the author of Among the Orangutans – The Birute Galdikas Story. I was inspired to write my book after working as a volunteer with Dr. Galdikas on the Orangutan Project in Borneo. I made this video as a tribute to Dr. Galdikas on her 40th Anniversary of field research.

Little did Jane Goodall’s and Dian Fossey’s colleague, Birute Galdikas realize in 1971 after arriving in the Borneo rain forest that 40 years later she would still be conducting the longest term research about these illusive red apes Indonesians call “Person of the Forest.”

Don’t risk ruining your Costa Rica Vacation by not knowing this important information about immigration requirements.

Get more Costa Rica Vacation Tips here.

The multi-generational Goldberger Family stayed at our Costa Rica vacation home late in the dry season when the occasional welcomed afternoon shower provided for an excellent rain forest experience.

The Goldberger Family

San Diego, CA

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Discovery Beach House. Chef Desiree prepared exquisite meals that accommodated everyone’s desires and diverse needs. Juan and Cesar were very helpful and accommodating, even pointing out the local wildlife to our 5-year old. The housekeeping staff worked quietly and quickly to keep the house in beautiful condition, even with the seven of us living here. We’ll miss Diego & Frida and wish we could fit Diego in our suitcase.

We always looked forward to the “Monkey Hour” when we were entertained by their antics and acrobatics.

We highly recommend the Titi Canopy Tour! It was so well organized and run. Our 5-year old had a blast! Sancho’s and Agua Azul were delicious, and the only thing that surpassed the view from Rafael’s Terrazas was the food. Excellent! Thank you Susan for coordinating all of our activities.

Thank you David & Evelyn for opening your beautiful home to us!

Pura Vida!”

Sandi & Mark stayed at our Manuel Antonio vacation rental during the dry season to celebrate Mark’s 60th birthday. The Discovery Beach House was the perfect Baby Boomer getaway from the stress and pressures of everyday life. During their Costa Rica beach vacation they explored their many options for adventure tours and chose the zip line, they pampered themselves with site spa treatments and enjoyed the hands on learning experience of living on a private nature reserve.

Brent and Bronwyn McFarlen enjoyed reconnecting with their family during a Costa Rica beach vacation at our Manuel Antonio vacation rental with their 2 teenage children who each brought a friend. Brent nearly didn’t make it to Costa Rica after being in a near fatal car accident that landed him in the Intensive Care Unit of his local hospital. Recuperation on a quiet, private nature reserve and our Discovery Beach House customized 6-star service was just what the doctor ordered.

Brent & Bronwyn McFarlen, Allisa, Olivia, Liam and Glen

Oakville, Ontario, Canada

“What can I say about your beautiful home, wonderful staff and amazing country, I’m speechless! Today is a very sad morning that we have to leave here and return to the cold and snow of Oakville, Ontario, Canada (west of Toronto).

Your house was such a treat to stay in, the plants, the beds, the balcony, the pool & hot tub.  We had monkeys (white face) visit us every day, sometimes 3 or 4 times, one day we had 8.  Lizards, small rodents, which looked like guinea pigs [tempesquintles] and so many wonderful song birds.  Oh, and can’t forget our sloth friend.

Your staff were wonderful.  Thank you Susan for booking all of our amazing excursions (zipline, park tour, deep sea fishing, ATV tour) and for retrieving my lost Visa card. Whew! Your husband’s restaurant, “Villas Nicolas” was sooo good.  Thank you Juan for keeping the grounds beautiful, teaching us Spanish, helping us so, so much. Smiling Juan, you made our trip very special. Your guard dogs: Frida and Diego (in training).  Diego and I are best of pals, Frida not so much.  Cleaning ladies Lilliam (most of the week) and Gabriela (Friday & Saturday) were so great.  House was kept spotless, lots of fresh towels and bedding. They even washed our clothes, what service!

Costa Rica is now by far our favourite sunshine destination.  The jungle, the beach, the food (my new favourite cuisine, sorry Italy) and the people (nicest and most patient with our poor Spanish).  Thank you Evelyn for letting us switch our week from July to January. Oops, almost forgot Desiree, our chef for two days. OMG!! The food was the best we have ever had and such a wonderful lady.”

Adrienne Knoll and Ardis & Chuck Zander returned for the second time to our Manuel Antonio vacation rental. They spent a month relaxing and thought they’d be ready to go home by the end, but they were wrong…they still didn’t want their  Costa Rica beach vacation to end! Their extended one-month stay allowed their children to visit them at their convenience. Sometimes our guests get misty-eyed when it comes time to leave.

Chuck Zander

Tucson, AZ

“We thought after 2 weeks last year that a month this year would be just about right. Wrong again – no one wants to go home!

As “Desert Rats” from Arizona we again were amazed by the beautiful setting you have created for this wonderful home.  Susan the Concierge, the cleaning ladies and the yardmen were again just fantastic.

The consideration of a place similar or better than this is just downright impossible!

Our very best to you and yours and thanks again.”

This video excerpt is from National Geographic. Watch the original here.

Sometimes Mother Nature commands your attention, gets you out of your head and for one brief, magic moment makes you a part of it all.

That’s exactly what happened this morning at the Discovery Beach House, our Costa Rica vacation villa. I spotted two Green Basilisk lizards sunning themselves by the pool. They’re also known as Jesus Christ lizards because of their quirky ability to walk on water.

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